So, hey, The Simpsons. Those yellow-skinned zany residents of Springfield have had a home on FOX for a very long time. 29 seasons to be exact. And, while it seems challenging to find anyone who actually still tunes into every week (or maybe it’s just this Nerd Bastards writer who’s circle of friends are out of touch?) , the show has endured. It’s like the Energizer Bunny (speaking of dated references), it just keeps going… and going… and going. And guess what? It’s going to keep on going. FOX just ordered a 30th season of the pop culture phenomenon.

The renewal takes the long-running animated series to 669 episodes, the largest number of episodes for any scripted television show ever, breaking the record previously set by Gunsmoke (635).

The longest-running scripted show in television history, and recently marking its 600th episode, The Simpsons exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world.

Here’s what Homer Simpson had to say about the renewal:

“Take that ‘Gunsmoke!’ You lost a race you didn’t even know you were running

Here’s what Dana Walden and Gary Newman, Chairmen and CEOs, Fox Television Group had to say in respect to this historic 30 season run history:

“This is yet another record-setting moment for what is truly a landmark series. The Simpsons has meant so much to the network, the studio and everyone at Fox, and its continued cultural impact around the globe is a testament to the combined brilliance of Matt, Jim and Al. Congratulations to everyone who works on this groundbreaking series – from the voice cast and producers to the writers and production team – you comprise one of the greatest collections of creative talent in the history of the medium. And to the millions of Simpsons fans around the world, thank you for watching all these years. We’re happy to tell you there’s lots more to come.”

Again, it seems for most 30-year olds who grew up on the show, they, well, stopped loyally watching about 20 years ago. “That’s still on? Is it still any good?” tends to be a repeat reaction among fans of yesteryear. The Simpsons, however, remain insanely popular. It’s the numbers man, they don’t like…

Season-to-date, The Simpsons is averaging 7.2 million total multi-platform viewers. The series’ milestone 600th episode on October 16 registered its largest rating (3.6/11 Live + 7) and seven-day multi-platform audience (9.9 million viewers) since January, as well as 1.3 million viewers on Hulu and FOXNOW, representing its largest seven-day average streaming audience in more than three years.

Clearly, it’s a hallmark of how long it’s been on the air that the primary audience has shifted. Whatever. For those who still faithfully watch, those that don’t, and everyone in between, there is comfort knowing what a universal constant the show has become.